Coaching Analysis

 In this Blog post, I will be providing an analysis of how Albemarle County Public Schools meet the five Phases of Coaching.  Here is the video clip that I used in my review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0IrZ5jrvCo

Step 1: Establishing the Need.  It is always about getting the teacher to tell you what they need.

Step 2: Creating Partnerships.  In their plan for coaching they have coaches work together in teams at different buildings so that the learning at one building can be shared across other buildings around the district.  Each coach will serve 3 school buildings.  

Step 3: Target Differentiated Projects.  The process is about looking for what the teacher needs.  Those needs could be the coach modeling a lesson or maybe observing and providing feedback.

Step 4: Assess the Progress & Step 5: Reflect on the Integration.  Teachers can be observed working with the coach to implement strategies, and then reflecting with them about how the students engaged with the lesson.  The work with the coach can then spread across the district.

Final thoughts and Summary

I am intrigued by the idea of a coach working at multiple buildings to help support the growth of ideas across the district.  Currently in my district we have a math coach at the 6th grade building, I am at the 7-8 building, and then there is one at the high school.  We do meet periodically throughout the year to discuss ideas, but it would be powerful to rotate buildings and experience the teaching at each level.

My other thought was that at least in this video clip the coaching was very teacher-centered.  It was about meeting the needs of the teacher.  Hopefully they also have some student-centered coaching as well mixed in.